Multiple postdoctoral positions are available to study the molecular biology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, virus-host interaction, and/or antiviral development in Dr. Haitao Guo�s lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University at Indianapolis.

HBV is the causative agent for both acute and chronic hepatitis B, the latter is carried by more than 240 million people worldwide without an effective cure available. As the smallest double stranded DNA virus with many characteristics similar to retroviruses, HBV represents a unique model for studying the molecular details of virus DNA replication and virus-host interactions, especially the biosynthesis and maintenance of viral episomal DNA minichromosome (termed covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA) and its transcriptional regulations, which are the major basic research interests in Guo lab. On the other hand, the persistence of cccDNA in infected hepatocytes is the basis for persistent HBV infection and the elusiveness of a cure even after extended treatment with current approved reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Thus, there is an urgent unmet need for novel therapeutic agents that directly target cccDNA stability and/or functions. Guo lab has developed and optimized a novel cell-based assay platform that allows indirect monitoring cccDNA levels, which will be used in the high throughput screen of cccDNA inhibitors. This cell culture system is also used in basic studies of the biology of cccDNA in HBV infection. In addition, postdoctoral researcher may also participate in projects studying the effects on interferon-modulated innate immunity pathways/factors on HBV replication.

Qualified applicants should have a Ph.D degree and strong background in molecular and cell biology and biochemistry, experience in virology, DNA replication and repair, epigenetic transcriptional regulation, antiviral assay development and drug discovery is a plus. A CV should be forwarded to Dr. Haitao Guo for consideration at haitguoiupui.edu.